New Commanders Rumors on Zach Ertz, Daron Payne, 2026 NFL Free Agency Plans

The Washington Commanders have a number of decisions ahead of them following a 5-12 season, which means uncertainty for veterans such as Zach Ertz and Daron Payne.

ESPN's John Keim reported on the situation Friday and noted "Ertz does not want to end his career with a torn ACL, which he suffered in Week 14" and also "loved" playing in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's system and would be open to reuniting with him.

The only problem is Kingsbury is no longer with the Commanders after they parted ways with him in January.

Keim suggested Washington "could always gauge his health next summer if there's still a hole at the position" and bring him in for the 2027 campaign if it doesn't re-sign him for 2026. That will be his age-37 season, though, so it might not be realistic to expect peak-level production from the three-time Pro Bowler.

As for Payne, Keim reported the Commanders may let the defensive tackle play out the final year of his deal despite his $28 million cap hit in 2026 because they were "pleased with how he played in 2025."

Doing so would also give the NFC East team an opportunity to land a 2027 compensatory draft pick if he leaves after 2026, which could be more favorable than extending his deal even if that would lower his short-term cap hit.

The 2018 first-round pick was a Pro Bowler in 2022 and has played at least 15 games in each of his eight seasons. He notched three sacks in 2025, which was a far cry from the 11.5 he posted in his Pro Bowl campaign.

At least he is still just 28 years old, which stands in contrast to the 24 unrestricted free agents from Washington's roster who were at least 30 years old.

General manager Adam Peters said the goal is to get "younger and faster" ahead of the 2026 campaign, so Keim listed Deebo Samuel, Austin Ekeler, Bobby Wagner, Von Miller and Marcus Mariota as veteran free agents the team will have to assess.

He also highlighted Marshon Lattimore as a candidate to be released since that would save the team $18.5 million.

Ultimately, the Commanders will need to make a number of moves after going from an NFC Championship Game participant in 2024 to third place in the NFC East in 2025. Jayden Daniels is the franchise cornerstone, but the roster around him could look quite different.